chiefland

The first-magnitude spring at Manatee Springs State Park produces an average of 100 million gallons of clear, cool water daily. In winter, West Indian manatees swim upriver to the warmer waters of the springs. Popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, the headwaters of the spring are also a great spot for swimming. The spring run …

When you’re traveling on US19 headed north from Inglis and the Withlacoochee River, in the lower stretches of our Natural North Florida region, you’re also traveling on US98. The road has both names until they split at Perry, in Taylor County, with US19 heading towards Monticello (in Jefferson County) and US98 heading west towards Wakulla …

“Meat and Three” restaurants are a southern tradition. In many parts of Florida, they’re dying out and being replaced by fast-food enterprises, especially in the more urbanized areas. But if you’re traveling through (or hopefully stopping in) our 11 county Natural North Florida region, you’ll find several of these classic eateries. A good example is …

Excitement fills the air when communities unite for a worthy cause. Suwannee Valley Rotary Club holds this very exciting event each year on the first Saturday in June to unite the Tri County Area and involve hundreds of cyclists from all across the country. Our annual “Tour de Melon” event corresponds with Chiefland’s popular, well …

The 61st Annual Chiefland Watermelon Festival is coming up on June 6th. There will be contests, a parade, music, entertainment for the kids, and of course watermelon! This event will be taking place at the Train Depot Park in Chiefland from 8am to 2pm The Annual Watermelon Festival is perhaps the biggest event in Chiefland …

Many of Natural North Florida’s springs are unique. In fact, in our 11-county region, we have the highest concentration of natural springs the world. Many are just “seeps”, bubbling through the rock, but others, like Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto, are downright spectacular! And while many of our springs, especially those in our Florida State …

There are some surprising figures regarding fishing/boating and swimming. Did you know that a large percentage of anglers and boaters don’t know how to swim? And do you know that fishing guides and boat captains who hold U.S. Merchant Marine licenses are not required to know how to swim? Swimming isn’t hard, and there are …

If you’ve not yet discovered Mangrove Creek Outfitters in Chiefland, take a drive over and meet Robert Hornsby, the owner. Robert’s a long-time angler and hunter and has put together a great shop. You’ll find a complete selection of Yeti Coolers, GULP! baits, Costa del Mar Sunglasses and even a Shipoke Skiff in the boatyard. …